Bush burning blamed for power blackouts in Lango

24 February 2026, 5:50 pm

By, Mike Okwang Ogule & Tonny Okello

Lira City – The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has reported the loss of more than 30 electricity poles in the Lango sub-region during the current dry season due to rampant bush burning, contributing to persistent power blackouts across Northern Uganda.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting held recently in Lira City, Ms. Noeline Biribonwa, Senior Stakeholder and Engagement Officer at UEDCL, said the destruction of power infrastructure through uncontrolled fires is affecting reliable electricity supply in the region.

“We have lost over 30 poles to bush burning in Lango alone this dry season. This is one of the major causes of power outages being experienced,” she said.

Biribonwa emphasized that UEDCL generates approximately UGX 10 billion monthly for the government, underscoring the company’s significant contribution to national revenue and development. She warned communities against constructing houses under high-voltage power lines, noting that such practices are dangerous and illegal.

She further urged residents in Northern Uganda to clear vegetation around electric poles and sensitize communities about the dangers of bush burning, which she described as both destructive and costly.

The stakeholders’ meeting brought together cultural leaders, religious leaders, Chief Administrative Officers, Senior Assistant Secretaries, members of the media, Resident District Commissioners, LC5 Chairpersons, mayors, and opinion leaders from districts in Lango, Karamoja, and parts of Acholi sub-regions.

UEDCL’s Legal Officer, Counsel Nyenje Benedict, reminded participants that electricity infrastructure is a public good protected by law. He cited the Penal Code Act, which criminalizes acts of arson and malicious damage to property, warning that vandalism and reckless burning are punishable offenses.

“Power lines are public property and must be protected. The law is clear any person who sets fire carelessly or damages property is liable to prosecution,” Benedict said. “Even when lighting a matchstick, one must ensure it burns out without causing harm or damage.”

He added that UEDCL prioritizes community engagement, noting that in many areas bush burning is practiced as a cultural activity for hunting and land clearing. However, he stressed that government only recognizes cultural practices that promote development and do not undermine public safety or infrastructure.

Speaking on behalf of district chairpersons, the LC5 Chairperson of Omoro District, Mr. Okello Douglas Peter Okao, commended UEDCL for its positive impact in the region since assuming operations early last year.

He pledged that district leaders would join UEDCL as ambassadors in the anti-bush burning campaign and committed to diligently supporting community sensitization efforts.

“As a region, if we are to attract investors and boost local businesses, we must ensure stable power supply,” Okello said. “Bush burning is also destroying coffee farms and affecting livelihoods. Our people must desist from this practice.”

He further called for the promotion of digital messaging campaigns to effectively capture public attention and raise awareness about the dangers and economic consequences of bush burning.

Authorities have urged communities across Northern Uganda to take collective responsibility in protecting electricity infrastructure to ensure stable power supply and sustainable regional development.